Effects of exopolysaccharide from Lactobacillus rhamnosus on human gut microbiota in in vitro fermentation model

• Published in: Food science & technology 2021-03, Vol.139, p.110524, Article 110524
• Main Authors: Zhu, Yuzhu, Zhou, Jia-Min, Liu, Wei, Pi, Xionge, Zhou, Qingqing, Li, Ping, Zhou, Tao, Gu, Qing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exopolysaccharide; Gut microbiota; In vitro fermentation; Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• ISSN: 0023-6438; 1096-1127
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2020.110524

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by some bacteria have prebiotic potential and contribute to the regulation of the gut microbiota. Four types of EPS with different molecular composition from Lactobacillus rhamnosus ZFM231 were identified. In this work, we evaluated the potential of EPS on human gut microbiota by in vitro fermentation model. It was found that purified EPS fractions were degraded effectively by human gut microbiota. Gas chromatography (GC) assay revealed that EPS could be fermented to produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by gut microbiota in human fecal samples from twelve healthy volunteers. 16S rDNA sequencing showed that EPS mainly increased the abundance of Ruminococcus, Dorea, Butyricicoccus, Blautia and others. The current research provides valuable new information on the mechanisms of absorption, utilization and functional activity of Lactobacillus rhamnosus EPS in the gastrointestinal tract of the human body. •The effects of four purified EPSs on human gut microbiota were investigated.•The highest concentration of total SCFAs was found in the EPS-4 group.•Fermentation of the EPSs led to an increase in Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella.•The effect of EPS-4 may be related to monosaccharide composition and sulfate content.